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May 01, 2023 3 min read

Li Ning Blade X 900 Sun Max Badminton Racket Review

Li Ning Blade X 900 Sun Max Badminton Racket Review Transcript

If you’re new here, we rate rackets on 4 main metrics with a score out of 10 for each. They are: Feeling & Handling, control, power and speed.

The Blade X 900 Sun has a 295mm balance point - which, according to Li Ning, sits in the mid-to-high balance point range for their rackets. 

Tailored for professional players who want more offensive play, with enhanced rebound performance which is achieved with high modulus and highly elastic carbon fibre - called ACCELE TECH.

If you want to hear about more tech, the racket has:

The HDF SHOCK ABSORPTION SYSTEM - which reduces shock while allowing the transmission of more power through the racket. The TB-Nano also helps with this.
ULTRA CARBON and the AEROTEC BEAM SYSTEM - to make it stronger and more rigid, while allowing for it to be extra aerodynamic.

And lastly, a DYNAMIC-OPTIMUM FRAME which makes the sweet spot larger.
We tested the 3U (or 88g) version strung with BG-Power at 28 lbs. 

So what did we think about it?

Honestly, as soon as we picked it up and swung it through the air, it felt really stiff and a bit clunky. But we were more satisfied with the feeling of the racket when we actually started hitting - although it is still definitely on the stiff side.

Control-wise, it was quite good for a stiff racket, but took a bit of getting used to the extra bounce. We could actually feel a bit of a difference - maybe it’s because of the ACCELE TECH.

For power, it was just okay. We tend to like more flexible shafts on our rackets to allow a but more whip and snapback that helps us with power. But someone who can generate a lot of power without the need for some flex would probably find it easier to smash with.

And for speed - it was good and similar to the other high end even balanced rackets we have used such as the Arcsaber 10 and 11 pro.

Looks? Let’s just say that it’s not really our jam. But each to their own!

Our Ratings
For Feeling and handling: 7/10
For control: 7.5/10
Power: 7/10
Speed: 8/10

Total: 29.5/40. 

Who’s it for? 

We think it’s for advanced & professional players who prefer stiffer rackets and is looking for something even balanced in the li ning range. It’s probably geared towards more rally/control players - and not so much towards heavily attacking styles even though it is promoted as an offensive racket.

That being said, if you’re a player who generates power quite easily, it could be something you may like because you’ll be able to compensate for the lack of whip in the racket.

Lastly, if you’re a beginner, we don’t think this one is really for you.

But how much will it cost you?

This one will set you back around $ 350 AUD - which is pretty steep! Based on this and how it plays, would we TRY BUY or DENY?

We think DENY for this one. 
There are many other even-balanced rackets out there that we’d prefer from Li Ning, Yonex and Victor… 

AND VOLANT too!

The Rogue S1 is our even-balanced racket that is more forgiving and has a more flexible shaft which may be more suitable for you. 

Get one now using this link: https://volantbadminton.com/collections/badminton-rackets/products/rogue-s1

Volant Rogue S1 Badminton Racket
 
We'd love to hear your comments, suggestions, tips and tricks so please feel free to comment below. If you would like us to write about something in particular, please let us know!

 

Jeffrey Tho
Jeffrey Tho

Jeff is an ex-international badminton player who represented Australia at the Commonwealth Games (twice as a player & once as a coach), World Championships, All England Championships and multiple Thomas and Sudirman Cups. He was the Australian National Coach, Senior State Head Coach and is the co-founder of Volant badminton & The Badminton Podcast. Jeff is extremely passionate about building the worldwide badminton community & showing the world how incredible our sport really is.


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